In a unanimous decision that has the gridiron world buzzing, the Arena Football League (AFL) has called an audible, appointing former NFL coach Jeff Fisher as its interim commissioner amidst a tumultuous period of contraction and restructuring, WSMV reports. Fisher takes the reins from Lee Hutton III, with the AFL now down to 10 teams, hoping to stave off further instability and tackle the league's challenges head-on.
Fisher, who previously steered the NFL's Titans and Rams, is jumping from his role with the Nashville Kats where he served as Director of Football Operations - his transition has stirred up plenty of chatter with Kats COO Nancy Eckert saying, "This is all very new and all the details have not been worked out; however, there is full support from all teams in the AFL to navigate this situation together and act in the best interests of the league," according to a statement published on the Billings Outlaws' website.
It's a strategic move that's well-received by AFL owners, with Billings owner Steven Titus expressing his thrill over the appointment and spotlighting Fisher's extensive network, commenting, "Commissioner Fisher has the connections throughout the country with brands, television networks, scouts and players, he gives our league instant credibility on the national stage," 406mtsports.com illuminated.
Fisher himself acknowledged the owners' confidence and the importance of his connection to Nashville, stating, "Months ago when I decided to help return the Nashville Kats and arena football to the music city, I did so because of my affection for Nashville and wanting to give back to the community that has been a blessing to me and my family over the years we are now three weeks into the season and the league needs help and I agreed to help the league, I am honored the owners collectively have confidence in me to lead them," as reported by NEWS10.
The revised game schedule for the AFL's remaining 10 teams will be released soon, an ongoing effort to shore up the league's calendar after the earlier turbulence led to a condensed lineup - whether this Hail Mary pass from the AFL ownership will lead to a touchdown or a fumble, remains to be seen with the next game slated for May 18th, where the Kats face off against the Wichita Regulators, WSMV revealed.
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